Hells Angels from the inside

Jurors shown items seized at clubhouse

THE names, addresses and phone numbers of hundreds of Hells Angels members around the world are now available for public consumption after being shown to jurors Friday at an ongoing Winnipeg trial.

Police seized the detailed documents during a February 2006 raid at the Hells Angels clubhouse in Winnipeg.

Now Crown prosecutors are using them to argue that full-patch gang member Ian Grant should be convicted on charges that include participating in a criminal organization.

Grant is also on trial for alleged drug trafficking, extortion and possessing proceeds of crime.

Jurors were taken on a photographic tour of the local Hells Angels chapter Friday that includes dozens of candid pictures of local members and associates. There is even a "team" photo of the entire gang, with the night skyline of Winnipeg in the background.

Applications to work with or for the gang were also shown in court. Applicants were required to give personal information, including social insurance numbers, criminal background and how much notice they needed to travel out of town.

An undated form bearing the name, home address and personal information of former Winnipeg city councillor John Prystanski was included in the material shown to jurors.

Prystanski could not be reached last night for comment.

Jurors were also given an inside look at the Hells' Scotia Street clubhouse and learned intimate details about the extensive security system surrounding the sprawling riverside property.

Nine cameras, including several that were hidden in trees and camouflages, guarded against intruders and were linked to a series of television sets inside the clubhouse.

Some of the cameras possessed "night vision" that would allow the bikers to clearly see images in the dark. Jurors were shown pictures of the view from each camera.

Other material found in the clubhouse included clothing and paraphernalia ranging from gas caps to mouse pads bearing the Hells logo.

Police also seized several internal Hells newsletters that documented some of the highlights from chapters around the world. An international newsletter included reports from dozens of chapters worldwide, giving updates or voicing concerns about current gang events.

The western Canadian region reported the following: "Various law enforcement agencies are trying to brand us as terrorists. This is a total lie and fabrication."

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.